Maple Valley Marriage License
Maple Valley residents who need a marriage license apply at King County Records and Licensing Services in Seattle. The City of Maple Valley does not issue marriage licenses. Because Maple Valley is in King County, all marriage licensing goes through the county office. Both people getting married must appear together in person to complete the application. This page covers where to go, what to bring, the current fee, how the waiting period works, and where to find marriage license records connected to Maple Valley and King County.
Maple Valley Overview
Getting a Marriage License in Maple Valley
Maple Valley is in King County, so the King County Records and Licensing Services office in Seattle is where you get your marriage license. The mailing address for the office is 500 4th Ave, Room 311, Seattle, WA 98104. You can reach the office by phone at (206) 477-6620. From Maple Valley, the drive to downtown Seattle is roughly 25 to 30 miles. Plan ahead for traffic, particularly if you are going during weekday peak hours.
King County offers an online pre-application option. This lets you fill in your information before you arrive at the office, which can reduce your time at the counter. Even if you use the pre-application, both people must still show up in person on the same day to complete the process. You cannot finish the application remotely. Washington law under RCW Chapter 26.04 requires both applicants to appear when applying.
The City of Maple Valley is located at 22017 SE Wax Rd and handles city services, permits, and local records. You can reach the city at (425) 432-5700. City staff can help with most local questions, but for marriage licensing they will direct you to King County. That is the correct path. Once you have the license, your ceremony can take place anywhere in Washington State.
| Office | King County Records and Licensing Services |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 4th Ave, Room 311 Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Phone | (206) 477-6620 |
| Website | kingcounty.gov/en/dept/records-licensing |
The King County office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Because King County is the most populous county in Washington, the office can be busy. Using the pre-application tool before your visit is a practical way to move through the process faster when you arrive.
Marriage License Requirements
Washington sets consistent rules for who can obtain a marriage license across all 39 counties. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. People under 18 must have court approval before a license can be issued, which involves additional steps beyond the standard process. Washington does not have a residency requirement. Out-of-state couples can apply here if they plan to hold the ceremony in Washington.
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. A state driver's license, passport, or military ID all work. The ID must not be expired. Your ID should reflect your current legal name. If there has been a name change that your ID does not yet show, bring a document that proves the legal name, such as a previous marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The name on the license must match your legal name.
You will provide your Social Security number on the application form. The physical card is not required. If either applicant was previously married, the clerk needs to know when and how that marriage ended. Bring the date of the divorce, annulment, or death of a prior spouse. Washington does not require a blood test or any medical paperwork. The process is straightforward if you arrive with the right information ready.
Washington law under RCW 26.04.160 spells out the specifics of what must be on the application and how the license must be processed. It is worth reviewing if you have any questions about unusual circumstances.
Fees and Waiting Period
The King County marriage license fee is $169 as of July 2025. This is higher than most Washington counties. The increase was connected to House Bill 1498, which created the Domestic Violence Co-Responder Grant Program, and added a surcharge to marriage license fees in King County. The fee is paid at the time of application and is not refundable. Call ahead to confirm the accepted payment methods since the office may not accept all forms of payment.
Washington State law requires a three-day waiting period after a marriage license is issued before the ceremony can legally take place. This rule is set by RCW 26.04.180 and cannot be waived. If you apply on a Thursday, the earliest your ceremony can happen is Sunday. The license stays valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If you don't use it within 60 days, it expires and you must apply again and pay the fee a second time.
After the wedding, the officiant signs the license and must return it to the King County office within the timeframe set by state law. The county then records the marriage. Once recorded, the document becomes the official marriage certificate. Certified copies of that certificate are ordered separately and carry a fee of $3 each from the King County office.
Note: Always verify the current King County marriage license fee before your visit, as rates can change with new legislation.
Maple Valley Marriage License Records
Once your marriage is recorded, it becomes part of the King County official record set. Maple Valley residents' marriage records are maintained by King County Records and Licensing Services. You can request copies in person at the Seattle office or by mail. The county provides both certified and uncertified copies. Certified copies carry legal weight and are needed for things like name changes or government ID updates. Uncertified copies are generally cheaper but may not be accepted by government agencies.
The Washington State Department of Health also keeps statewide vital records going back to 1968. You can order certified marriage records through doh.wa.gov. If you want to order online without going through the county or state directly, VitalChek is a service that handles certified copy requests on your behalf from state and county offices.
For historical King County marriage records, the Washington State Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov has scanned documents going back many decades. The archive is free to search and useful for family history work or finding older records that the county's digital system may not cover. King County has maintained marriage records since 1853, and many of the older documents are accessible through the archive.
The City of Maple Valley's website at maplevalleywa.gov covers city services and local information. Marriage license applications for Maple Valley residents are handled by King County Records and Licensing Services in Seattle.
King County Marriage License Resources
Maple Valley is in King County. The county office processes all marriage license applications, records completed licenses, and maintains the official record set. For a full breakdown of King County requirements, office hours, and procedures, visit the county page on this site.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Maple Valley. Most are in King County and use the same county office for marriage license applications.